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Adderall addiction has been growing over the last few years. As students spend the last few weeks of summer break getting prepared for the new school year, there is often a secret item on some students’ wish lists. “Study drugs” such as Adderall, Ritalin and Addtabz are sought by students desperate to boost their academic performance in the short term. These drugs are normally prescribed to individuals suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to cause a calming effect and increase their concentration. Some students try to get their hands on these drugs to increase their focus during all-night study sessions before important exams.

Adderall Addiction: Popping Pills To Excell

College students feel a great deal of pressure to excel academically and achieve success after graduation. Many final grades in college courses are determined by a couple of key exams during the semester covering hundreds of pages of material. Better grades mean more scholarship and grant money, better chances at getting coveted internships, and a better outlook on a professional future. All of these circumstances factor into some students’ decisions to try to enhance their academic performance through drugs. Adderall is an amphetamine based pill that causes the brain to release dopamine, serotonin and adrenaline which cause a person to feel awake, happy, and focused.

The Number of Students Using Study Drugs

Adderall is becoming the drug of choice for students looking to get that extra edge over their classmates, but often the consequences of taking the drug overshadow the benefits. Many found themselves suffering from adderall addiction as a result of overuse. According to data from The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 15 percent of college students admitted to using psychotherapeutic drugs for non-medical purposes. Those numbers are only from individuals who freely admitted using mood altering drugs, and the real numbers are likely to be higher. ADHD is also being diagnosed much more frequently, with many students going out of their way to self-report their symptoms to psychiatrists in hopes of getting prescribed Adderall. An option for those who will not or cannot visit a doctor, is to purchase it for the relatively low price it costs to buy from a dealer, usually around $3-$5 a pill.

The Dangers of Using Adderall Recreationally

Many students take Adderall to improve their short-term academic success without thinking about the long-term effects of using a drug for non-medical purposes. Some short-term side effects include increased heart rate, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and difficulty sleeping. While these are fairly mild compared to other drugs, the long-term effects are often much more serious. Prolonged use increases the chance of cardiovascular problems and strokes, as well as hostility, depression and paranoia. Adderall is addictive and once a person becomes dependent on it, they will experience withdrawal symptoms from the sudden drop in dopamine levels after they discontinue use. Adderall addiction is real and can cause more problems, grades should not be worth a life.

The pressures on students to excel in school are causing some to experiment with Adderall and related drugs to improve their grades. Turning to drugs should never be a solution an academic problem. Adderall addiction is a real concern among students now. If you or anyone you know is suffering from addiction please contact The Watershed today at 1-800-861-1167.